Printed in December 1929, written by Founder Edward H. McCune, Central Missouri

Nine years ago, on the 28th of next June, a social organization, by the name Sigma Tau Gamma was born into the fraternal world. Its inception was natural since men by nature are social beings; logical because its philosophies were founded upon age-worn concepts. On this simple faith, it has grown from a babe in swaddling clothes to a sturdy youth.

Nine years ago, to me, it seems but a few months when we had our first meeting. I remember quite distinctly a few of the discussions that took place that afternoon. We were unanimous of the opinion that the social needs of Central Missouri State Teachers College were sadly neglected.  

Like many other teachers’ colleges, we had literary societies, six in number, which met once a week.  They were on the decline. The bell had already tolled their death knell, and the funeral dirge was waiting to receive them with outstretched arms.

With the closing of the World War came the dawning of a new day. Social status in every branch of society was undergoing a change. Teacher colleges were no exception. The bonds which bound men together upon the battlefield and in the trenches found expression in fraternities of different kinds. 

In my file, I have an original copy of the Constitution and Bylaws of Sigma Tau Gamma. I also have other papers and committee reports dating back to June and July of 1920. These reports seem to indicate that Allen Nieman and Leland Hoback deserve much credit for the early work they rendered to the Fraternity. Dr. Wilson C. Morris, to whom the December Saga is dedicated, was the “Cincinnatus” of the organization. We shall never forget him for his untiring efforts to serve.

From the very beginning, Sigma Tau Gamma prospered, both in membership and service. It seemed to meet the need of our college. Its challenge to students to live well and to promote the spirit of brotherhood was continually being met by those who were seeking membership. I remember at one of our business meetings that someone remarked that if Sigma Tau Gamma was good for us, it was good for others. It was at this point that we began to visualize a national social fraternity for teachers’ colleges, of which none were existing. You know the rest.

From this small beginning, we have grown into thirteen strong chapters, represented in seven different states. Not the wisest seer of the group, A.B. Cott, nor the most optimistic dreamer Allen Nieman, would have dared to predict that out of this small beginning, we could have developed so rapidly in nine years. As we approach the ninth milestone of this youthful organization, may we approach is humbly and not boastfully, hopefully and not discouraged, giving due consideration to all chapters whose work has been so nobly done. Let us hope for greater success in the future and, in so doing, take our place among other social fraternities in doing our part to establish universal brotherhood among the peoples of this earth.

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ABOUT SIGMA TAU GAMMA FRATERNITY

Founded at the University of Central Missouri on June 28, 1920, Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity celebrated 100 years of brotherhood in 2020. In the last 100 years, the organization has called 197 campuses home and has more than 73,000 initiated members. With a current presence on 75 campuses from coast to coast, our membership includes more than 2,700 undergraduate men. The Headquarters, which is home to the Fraternity, Foundation, and WPN Housing Company, is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Visit https://sigtau.org for additional information.